Wine Reviews - Great Wines from Long Island Vines

I live on the east end of Long Island so I am fortunate enough to be able to experience local wines right at the vineyards. Long Island wine has become popular in the last two decades, after it was discovered that the unusual waterfront soil yielded magnificent, flavorful grapes. However, wines grown and produced on Long Island have achieved international notariety and are available at retail stores all over the country, as well as online.

Of the over thirty vineyards on Long Island, I have discovered four that are truly outstanding:

Pindar Vineyards - Pindar is located on Main Road, Route 25 in Peconic, NY, telephone (631) 734-6200. Pindar was founded by Dr. Herodotus "Dan" Damianos in 1979. The popularity of Pindar's wines grew so quickly that they were served at the 1988 inauguration of former President George Bush. The most popular line of wines produced by Pindar are their "seasonal" wines, which are all 750 ml and priced affordably at $8.99:

Winter White: A semi-dry white wine that goes with anything. This traditional, reliable bottle of white wine is suitable for any occasion.

Spring Splendor: A blush wine that is fermented with cranberry for a truly unusual flavor. This wine works well with beef, fish and those spring and summer barbecues.

Summer Blush: This wine is made with Long Island red grapes and has the natural flavor of strawberries without actually using any strawberries. Summer blush is my personal favorite and everyone seems to enjoy this tasty, versatile wine that goes with fish, burgers or poultry.

Autumn Gold: Autumn Gold is a crisp, clean white wine that works well with everyday meals.

Beside the seasonal group of wines, Pindar produces outstanding chardonnay:

2005 Sunflower Chardonnay: Priced at $16.99, this is one of Pindar's more expensive everyday wines. However, this chardonnay with hints of vanilla is worth the price. The grapes for the Sunflower Chardonnay are grown on a special 3.9 acre vineyard and fermented for ten months in French oak barrels to achieve a unique, warm flavor.